Esther & Carol Named After Chefs' Mothers, Restaurant To Open Just In Time For Mother's Day

A new restaurant is slated to open in the former Bacchanal site. What’s interesting is that the opening date will be especially fitting. Esther & Carol is named after the moms of two restaurant veterans, Kevin King (son of Esther) and Cordell Lochin (son of Carol). The restaurant will open around Mother’s Day.

King has said that it was only fitting for them to name their first venture after their mothers since he and Lochin have strong family foundations. King and Lochin have been credited to have helped define the New York City’s food and gatherings psyche since the 1990s. King for one has been a longtime matre d’ of two downtown staples, Balthazar and Narcissa. Lochin comes from La Esquina and The Box.

The entire 3,800-square-foot expanse at 341 Broome St. (Browery) will have 90 seats inside and a 54-seat sidewalk café patio. It’s layout is said to be designed like an extension of a hip home kitchen and living room according to the New York Post. Ester & Carol Bistro will be inside the old Bacchanal premises. It will offer the classic American fare but with a healthy interpretation.

E&C Burger will be a fast takeout window that will offer grass-fed burgers, sandwiches and sugar-free and dairy free milkshakes reports New York Eater. An 850-square-foot lounge, called E&C Studios, is decked out with recording studio capabilities with Gibson guitars.

Other partners involved in Esther & Carol are Peter Poulakakos and Paul Lamas and Dave Oz of Bathtub Gin; Michelin starred L’Appart; HPH Hospitality of Le District. Poulakakos was the owner of Bacchanal until December last year. It operated for barely two years. For now, the inactive liquor license on file for the new restaurant is still under Bacchanal ownership.